NIH, MusiCares, GRAMMY Foundation Announce 2011 Teen Contest

 

(Washington, D.C.) - The “Above the Influence” campaign is partnering with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for its second annual MusiCares and GRAMMY Foundation Teen Substance Abuse Awareness through Music Contest. Teens from across the country who are 14-18 years-old are encouraged to enter the original music and music video competition.

The Teen Substance Abuse Awareness through Music Contest asks teens to compose or create an original song and/or music video that explores, encourages, and celebrates a healthy lifestyle, or accurately depicts a story about drug abuse.
 

The first place winner will receive an invitation to Los Angeles to attend the 54th annual GRAMMY Awards Backstage Experience, a special backstage tour that takes place while artists rehearse for the live GRAMMY Awards. In addition, the first, second and third place winners will have their musical entries posted on the GRAMMY365 website and the MTV Act blog, as well as on the “Above the Influence” campaign website.

"The submissions from teens [last year] were so powerful and moving that we are eager to see the results of this year's campaign, and continue to spread the word to young people about the toll of addiction and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle," said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares, and The Recording Academy.
Winners will be revealed during NIDA’s second annual National Drug Facts Week, which begins Oct. 31, 2011.
 

"The quality of last year’s entries was so impressive that the contest is launching earlier this year to give more students a chance to participate," said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. "This competition gives teens a unique opportunity to express and share their feelings and experiences about how living a drug-free life helps them navigate their way safely into adulthood."